Fish, Amphibian, & Aquatic Plants PermitsOverview

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is the custodian of all fish resources in
the state. Alaska’s broad definition of fish includes amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.
Fish resources, and the habitats that produce them, are immensely valuable from both economic
and ecological standpoints, and Alaska takes their protection seriously. This includes
preventing introduction of invasive species along with the diseases they carry, and
protecting wild fish stocks from diseases that could be transferred from native fish or
ornamental species being held in aquaria.

Most public and commercial uses of Alaska’s fish resources are closely regulated by the
Alaska Board of Fish, a seven-member body appointed by the Governor. However, people may
wish to use fish or their eggs in other ways too. Researchers sometimes collect live aquatic
plants or kill fish for reference specimens. Organizations or individuals sometimes need
to move fish or their eggs between points within Alaska, or import or export them. When
done properly, the capture, collection, holding, or disposition of fish can also have
considerable educational value, such as in teaching about fish anatomy or the salmon life
cycle.

Permit Type Depends on the Activity

The department monitors and evaluates potential effects of these uses by issuing different
types of permits for qualifying projects by individuals and organizations. Fish resource
permits (FRPs) are only issued to applicants that meet requirements in department policy,
and who are engaged in legitimate scientific, educational, propagative, or exhibition
activities. The FRP policies and requirements (PDF 110 kB)
govern permits needed for collecting, holding, and propagating fish,
shellfish, or aquatic plants. Permits are also required for anyone who wants to transport,
possess, export from the state, or release into the waters of the state, any live fish
(the broad legal definition) or their eggs.

This section explains more about who can apply for these permits, what activities need
which permits, why and from whom. It also lists estimated permit processing times and describes
reporting requirements. Violating the terms of an FRP or associated regulations may be found
to be a Class A misdemeanor or more serious offense under Alaska law. Questions about the
department’s FRP program or policy can be directed to the appropriate contacts.